THOMASVILLE — In a surprise move, Thomasville’s suspended mayor entered nolo contendere pleas to two misdemeanor counts in an indictment returned in February.

Late Friday afternoon, Greg Hobbs entered nolo contendere pleas to two counts of false report of a crime.

Nolo contendere pleas mean Hobbs neither admitted nor denied the charges.

“It’s time for the city to heal and move forward.” Southern Judicial Circuit District Attorney Brad Shealy said after Hobbs’ plea.

Hobbs’ Valdosta lawyer, Converse Bright, agreed.

“It’s time to move on,” Bright said. 

Judge Brian McDaniel sentenced Hobbs to 12 months of probation on each count, to run concurrently, and a $1,000 fine and 24 hours of community service on each count.

A trial was scheduled to begin Monday morning.

Hobbs was indicted in February on six city-related charges involving the defendant’s claim his signature was forged on payroll documents. Subsequently, Gov. Brian Kemp suspended him from Thomasville City Council.

If convicted on all counts, McDaniel told Hobbs Thursday, “The sentence could be as high as 26 years, probation or a combination of the two.” Or, the judge said, the sentence could be one to 12 months of incarceration in the Thomas County Jail, probation or a combination of the two.

Hobbs was offered — and turned down — the same plea deal on Thursday.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820